Changes to the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG

LENZING, Austria — March 11, 2025 — Ahead of the Annual General Meeting of listed company Lenzing AG to be held on April 17, 2025, the Nomination Committee has revised the future composition of the Supervisory Board. Cord Prinzhorn, the current Supervisory Board Chairman is stepping down from the Supervisory Board with the end of his mandate, to focus on his existing and new engagements within B&C Group going forward.

Patrick Lackenbucher, Managing Director of B&C Group, has been nominated for election as a new member of the Supervisory Board, and is designated to take over the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board on an interim basis. Mr. Lackenbucher can draw on extensive experience with Lenzing, having supported the company throughout various key strategic and financial projects over the past 15 years.

Cord Prinzhorn commented: “After four years on the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG, my current mandate is coming to an end, and I will now concentrate on other existing and new engagements going forward. During my time as Supervisory Board Chairman we have managed to successfully complete important strategic investment projects in Brazil, Thailand and China, to reduce costs as well as financial debt, and at the same time to expand Lenzing’s position in this challenging market environment. I would like to thank not only the members of the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board but also, and above all, the employees of Lenzing, who have made a significant contribution to the success of these strategic projects.”

Designated Supervisory Board Chairman Patrick Lackenbucher sees the company well positioned for the future: “Both long-term core shareholders, B&C and Suzano, have a strong commitment to the enhancement of Lenzing’s competitiveness as a global market leader in sustainable cellulosic fibers. The company is addressing the continued competitive market environment with a holistic set of measures, that are already yielding positive results and will be pursued further consequently. Profitability is vital for Lenzing to sustain in the face of global competition over the long-term and to further invest in new products and markets. I am looking forward to working together collaboratively with the entire Lenzing Managing Board and Supervisory Board.”

Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing AG, commented: “Cord Prinzhorn has accompanied Lenzing with great confidence through the difficult environment over the past years and has played a key role in initiating revenue and cost initiatives, which have shown first positive effects in recent quarters leading to revenue, margin and cash flow enhancement for the company. On behalf of the entire Managing Board, I would like to thank him for the excellent collaboration, and I look forward to our future collaboration with the designated Chairman Patrick Lackenbucher, who brings many years of experience and extensive knowledge with Lenzing to the table.”

Besides Patrick Lackenbucher, Leonardo Grimaldi is proposed to be newly elected to the Supervisory Board. Mr. Grimaldi is executive vice president and Management Board member of Lenzing’s core shareholder Suzano S/A and will assume the Supervisory Bord mandate from Marcelo Bacci, who has left Suzano. He is an expert in the global pulp market and, among others, also acts as Supervisory Board Chairman at Brazilian port operator Portocel as well as a Supervisory Board member at Veracel Celulose S/A.

Cord Prinzhorn will remain Supervisory Board Chairman until the conclusion of the 81st Annual General Meeting on April 17, 2025. The election of Patrick Lackenbucher as Supervisory Board Chairman is planned for the constituting Supervisory Board meeting on the same day directly after the Annual General Meeting.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Lenzing AG

AI To Tackle The Hidden Costs In Resale Fashion & Unlock Its Profitability

TW Special Report

The resale fashion market has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days of rummaging through the dusty racks of charity shops in search of hidden treasures. In its place is a burgeoning resale industry, spurred on by platforms that have managed to bring second-hand fashion to the mainstream. According to recent data, searches for “pre-loved fashion” on eBay have surged by an impressive 400 percent since the summer of 2024, with 71 percent of Gen Z embracing the resale culture1.

Yet, despite its rapid growth2, the resale fashion market has a persistent issue: the hidden costs that prevent platforms from scaling effectively and profitably. While Vinted has recently turned a profit3, other major resale platforms such as ThredUp and The RealReal have faced challenges after their IPOs24,5, struggling to find the balance between sustainability and profitability.

The problem lies in the labor-intensive process of remerchandising second-hand clothing. Unlike mass-produced retail items, each pre-loved piece is unique, requiring careful attention, from quality control to photography, to ensure that it’s ready for resale. This process can be costly and inefficient, often relying on a human touch to assess each item’s quality. Additionally, the complexity of reverse SKU logistics — essentially managing single-item fulfillment on a massive scale — adds to the friction that resale platforms face.

On the shopper side, the struggle is just as real. While some relish the thrill of hunting for the perfect pre-loved item, many others are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and the frustration of endless scrolling through disorganized listings. Resale platforms must capture the excitement of the treasure hunt while simultaneously eliminating the time-consuming process of scrolling, searching, and endless comparisons. What shoppers need are tools that make the search faster, smarter, and more personalized.

Enter Messina Hembry, a pre-loved fashion reseller that’s addressing these issues head-on. Founded by two brothers while they were still in university, Messina Hembry has successfully carved out a niche in vintage and resale fashion, with more than 7,000 new pieces uploaded each week. Messina Hembry have partnered with Aistetic, a University of Oxford spinout that has revolutionized the listing process for them.

Aistetic’s AI-powered computer vision solution enables Messina Hembry to tag, label, and describe garments directly from images, automating the once-manual process of cataloging each item. What once required significant human labor now happens at lightning speed, unlocking the potential to scale in ways that were previously impossible. This breakthrough technology allows the company to tag and list more items, faster — and with impressive results.

According to Zac Hembry, CEO of Messina Hembry, “Using Aistetic’s AI Listing solution has revolutionized our workflow. We’ve seen a 3X increase in our listing capacity, a 70 percent reduction in our workflows and increases in conversions linked to faster, more accurate tagging.”

Duncan McKay, Aistetic CEO, added: “Our goal is to empower resale platforms with the AI tools they need to scale profitably while driving sustainability. Through this partnership with Messina Hembry, we’re helping them unlock more capacity, enhance the shopping experience, and contribute to the circular economy.”

This collaboration between Messina Hembry and Aistetic illustrates how AI is not only reshaping the operational aspects of the resale industry but also enhancing the overall customer experience. By automating tasks and improving the accuracy and speed of listings, AI is making it possible for resale platforms to scale quickly and profitably while reducing the friction that often frustrates shoppers.

As pre-loved fashion continues to gain traction, the integration of AI into resale platforms will be crucial for supporting their growth. Not only will AI help drive operational efficiencies, but it also promises to create a more enjoyable, personalized shopping experience. The future of resale fashion is sustainable, scalable, and powered by technology — and AI is the key to unlocking its full potential.

The bottom line: resale fashion is no longer just a niche. It’s a rapidly growing market that’s being transformed by AI, and this shift is poised to change the way we shop, resell, and think about fashion altogether.


References:

1https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/press-room/uk/the-perfect-fit-ebay-uk-returns-as-headline-sponsor-of-love-island-all-stars-season-2/
2Global Secondhand Market is projected to reach $264B in 2025. Resale grew 15x faster than the broader retail market in 2023 – Thredup Report 2024.
3https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxwvp2z7djyo
4https://www.pymnts.com/earnings/2024/thredup-ceo-it-will-be-while-before-shoppers-splurge-again/
5https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/companies/whats-next-for-the-realreal


March 11, 2025

Import Cargo Levels Continue To Rise Among Uncertainty Over Tariffs  

WASHINGTON — March 10, 2025 — Amid continuing tariff turmoil, imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to remain elevated through this spring but volume could see year-over-year drops this summer, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are continuing to bring as much merchandise into the country ahead of rising tariffs as possible,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “The on-again, off-again tariffs against Canada and Mexico won’t have a direct impact on port volumes because most of those goods move by truck or rail. But new tariffs on goods from China that have already doubled from 10 percent to 20 percent are a concern, as well as uncertainty over ‘reciprocal’ tariffs that could start in April. Retailers have been working on supply chain diversification, but that doesn’t happen overnight. In the meantime, tariffs are taxes on imports ultimately paid by consumers, not foreign countries, and American families will pay more as long as they are in place.”

President Donald Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on goods from China in February, then increased the amount to 20 percent last week. A 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico first announced in February was delayed until last Tuesday, then put on hold for a month for goods compliant with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade pact signed during Trump’s first administration.

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said imports from all trading partners could also be affected by a new fee between $1 million and $1.5 million for each time a Chinese-built ship docks at a U.S. port being considered by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“Given that a significant portion of the global container fleet has been built in China, this means that there will be further costs that will be passed on to cargo owners and ultimately the consumer,” Hackett said. Carriers will likely make more use of larger vessels and consolidate calls at major ports rather than making multiple stops at smaller ports. “Ports accommodated the surge in import volume in the final quarter of 2024 without major issues, but this will place additional pressure on the supply chain while also harming the nation’s smaller ports.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.22 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in January, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 4.4 percent from December and up 13.4 percent year-over-year.

Ports have not yet reported February’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.07 million TEU, up 6.1 percent year-over-year. That would be the busiest February — traditionally the slowest month of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in China — in three years. March is forecast at 2.14 million TEU, up 10.8 percent year-over-year; April at 2.13 million TEU, up 5.7 percent; May at 2.14 million TEU, up 2.8 percent; June at 2.07 million TEU, down 3.2 percent, and July at 1.99 million TEU, down 13.9 percent.

June and July’s year-over-year declines would be the first since September 2023, and July’s volume would be lowest since 1.93 million in March 2024. While tariffs might be a factor in the year-over-year decline, imports were elevated last summer as retailers brought in cargo ahead of what turned out to be a short strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports in October.

The first half of the year is expected to total 12.78 million TEU, up 5.7 percent from the same time last year. Imports during 2024 totaled 25.5 million TEU, up 14.7 percent from 2023 and the highest level since 2021’s record of 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: National Retail Federation

ACIMIT: The Heritage — The Virtual Exhibition Of Italian Machinery Industry Has Been Launched

MILAN — March 10, 2025 — A virtual exhibition retracing the history of the Italian textile machinery industry — this is The Heritage, the website created by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, and Italian Trade Agency, with the financial support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Heritage is the digital continuation of the exhibition event showcased at ITMA 2023 Milan, the world’s leading trade fair for the textile machinery sector. It represents the digital evolution of a photographic journey that was highly appreciated by numerous national and international visitors during the event.

Thanks to contributions from many textile machinery companies, The Heritage presents more than 100 years of history of the Italian textile machinery industry through a fascinating gallery of images. An immersive and engaging experience, it narrates the evolution of Italian manufacturing from the past century to the present day. The website is divided into various sections: Machineries, Entrepreneurs, Factories, World, Companies, Exhibition and ACIMIT. Visitors can explore these different areas, discovering drawings and photos of machinery models that have marked the history of individual companies, Italian entrepreneurs attending trade fairs, sector events and vintage images of production plants.

Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented on the initiative: “The main objective of the exhibition held at ITMA 2023 and consequently of the website The Heritage is to give voice, through the lens of photographs and corporate testimonies, to the history, values, and technological evolution of the Italian textile machinery industry. It is an evocative and engaging journey,” Salvadè added, “that tells the story of how Italian manufacturing has evolved over time, from the past century to today. With nearly 300 companies operating in the sector, Italy has become a world leader and continues to look to the future, drawing strength from a history marked by widespread expertise and continuous innovation.”

However, The Heritage is not intended to be the conclusion of the photographic journey presented at ITMA 2023. Rather, it is envisioned as a shared virtual space, continually enriched by contributions from companies providing images that testify to the never-ending story of Italian textile machinery industry.

Visit: https://www.heritage.acimit.it/en/acimit-homepage.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: ACIMIT

Obituary: Harold Pennington Sr.

BLACKSBURG, S.C. — March 10 — Harold Dean Pennington Sr., 82, of 128 Pennington Farm Dr., went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at his home. Pennington was born in Cherokee County, S.C. He was the husband of the late Mildred Patterson Pennington and son of the late Andrew William Pennington and Elsie Collins Pennington. A beloved husband, son, brother, father, Pop, and Great-Pop, he was a pillar of the Pennington family, his community, and the local textile industry.

Mr. Pennington was born and raised in Blacksburg, S.C. After graduating from Blacksburg High School in 1960, he went on to graduate from Clemson University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Management. Along with his sister, Carolyn, he was part of the first generation in his family to obtain a college degree, and he credited his parents’ and grandparents’ sacrifice and hard work as integral to that accomplishment.

He returned to Blacksburg after graduation, where he spent the next six decades working in the textile industry. He worked at Burlington Industries for eight years and then Wendell Fabrics for 14 years before co-founding Weavetec Inc. in 1987. In less than 10 years, he and his business partner, Haskell Mallory, grew Weavetec from a one loom operation to five locations with more than 200 employees. In 1995, Weavetec Inc. expanded as it merged with Innovative Technology. Then, Weavetec purchased Simply Country, a textile wholesaler based in Wytheville, Va. Today, Weavetec continues to thrive with two production facilities in his hometown of Blacksburg, S.C.

Mr. Pennington was instrumental in the formation of First National Bank of the Carolinas in 1995, serving on its Board of Directors, and also co-founded Benchmark Investments, Inc. in 2008. His work ethic was unparalleled and his favorite quote, “success comes to those who persevere”, described the way that he lived every single day of his life.

In 2019, Mr. Pennington was inducted into the Cherokee County (SC) Hall of Fame, and the following year, inducted into the Cherokee County (SC) Hall of Success as a member of the Blacksburg High School Class of 1960.

Mr. Pennington was a man of few words, but his wit and wry smile spoke for themselves. He was incredibly humble, exceptionally generous, and loyal to the people he loved and the beliefs he held dear. Even at 82, he was in the office five days a week, spent his Saturdays fixing up tractors and antique cars at “The Land” with his son and grandsons, and never missed a family celebration, even spending the Saturday before his passing celebrating his great-grandson’s second birthday.

Survivors include son, Harold Dean Pennington, Jr. and wife Laurinda of Blacksburg, SC and their children, Allison Elizabeth (Victor) and Andrew William (Madyson); daughter, Paula Pennington Cobb and husband Kelee of Blacksburg, SC and their children, William Dean (Anna) and Kaleb Christian; one great grandson, Luke David and another expected in May, Eli Harold; aunt, Bonnie Sue Collins Depperman; sisters-in-law Beth Patterson Dalton, Celia Patterson Pribble (Daryl), and Sadie Patterson Lowery (Steven); and nine nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Elizabeth Pennington Roark (Tommy) and a brother, Dewey Wayne Pennington.

The family received friends from 6:00-7:30 pm Friday, February 28, 2025, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Blacksburg. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Blacksburg conducted by Dr. Terry Duvall and his grandsons Mr. Will Cobb and Mr. Andrew Pennington.

The pallbearers included Andrew Pennington, Will Cobb, Kaleb Cobb, Victor Pirie, Richard Dobbins and Tony Blanton.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Pennington Family

Marking International Day of Zero Waste: Driving Change at Textiles Recycling Expo

BRUSSELS — March 10, 2025 — As the world prepares to recognize the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2025, there has never been a more critical time to spotlight the need for sustainable solutions in the textile industry. Jointly led by UNEP and UN-Habitat, this year’s theme: “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles” marks a historic first, and underscores the urgency of waste reduction and circularity, reinforcing why businesses and policymakers must accelerate their efforts toward a sustainable future.

In alignment with this mission, the Textiles Recycling Expo, taking place June 4-5, in Brussels, Belgium, serves as a vital platform where industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers convene to shape the future of textile recycling and circular economies. Brussels, at the heart of Europe’s sustainability discussions, is the ideal location to drive meaningful change, with key conversations taking place that will influence global policies and industry practices. Tickets are free to attend and available to secure here.

The textile industry remains one of the world’s most waste-intensive sectors, with millions of tonnes of clothing and fabric discarded annually. With the UN-Habitat calling for collective action, businesses that align with zero-waste initiatives are better positioned for resilience and growth in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.

The Textiles Recycling Expo provides an unparalleled opportunity to join the movement, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, pioneering solutions, and regulatory insights that will define the future of textile circularity. Attendees will gain access to influential discussions, expert-led panels, and key networking opportunities that can drive scalable impact in waste reduction.

As we approach the International Day of Zero Waste, organizations, brands and policymakers must take decisive steps toward a zero-waste future. Join us at the Textiles Recycling Expo 2025 to be part of the fundamental conversations shaping sustainable progress towards a circular future.

For more information on the initiative visit: https://unhabitat.org/international-day-of-zero-waste-2025

Visit the Textiles Recycling Expo website for more information on the event and to register: https://events.amiplastics.com/textiles-recycling-expo

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Textiles Recycling Expo 2025

Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity Jeans Launch At Walmart, Advancing Textile-To-Textile Recycling At Scale

NEW YORK CITY — March 7, 2025 — Following the successful launch of circular products at Target, another milestone in textile-to-textile recycling has landed in the market: the Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity jeans, now available at Walmart. This launch showcases the viability of integrating mechanically recycled post-consumer and post-industrial cotton into mainstream apparel.

As part of Accelerating Circularity’s U.S.-based trials, 23 tons each of post-consumer and post-industrial cotton were successfully recycled, working with key supply chain partners to turn used textiles into new products. The Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity jeans contain 26-percent recycled cotton (50-percent post-consumer, 50-percent post-industrial), alongside virgin cotton and elastane for stretch, setting a new benchmark for post-consumer recycled content in commercially available denim.

This project was made possible through collaboration across the textile supply chain trial members, including collection by Bank & Vogue (post-consumer) and Martex (post-industrial); mechanical recycling by Giotex & Estopas; yarn production by Parkdale; and fabric production by Cone Denim.

Key innovations include:

  • Cross-brand collaboration for standardized yarn and fabric specifications allowed trials to
    meet supply chain minimum order quantities (MOQs), proving commercial viability;
  • Unprecedented level of post-consumer mechanically recycled cotton (in combination
    with post-industrial and virgin cotton) in a mainstream denim product;
  • Proven durability: products passed commercial performance tests benchmarked against
    major brand standards.

“This launch is a proof point that circularity is not just a concept — it’s happening now,” said Karla Magruder, founder of Accelerating Circularity. “Through collaboration across the supply chain, we’ve shown that used textiles can become a viable feedstock for new products at scale.”

With this release, Wrangler joins a growing list of brands bringing circular products to market through Accelerating Circularity’s trials. As the initiative moves forward, the focus remains on scaling impact, including the next major goal: recycling 325 tons of used textiles as part of Accelerating Circularity’s Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action.

Brands, retailers, and manufacturers interested in joining the next phase can reach out at
info@acceleratingcircularity.org.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Wrangler

Nikwax Unveils Performance PFAS-Free Hydrophobic Down

SEATTLE ⏤ March 10, 2025 ⏤ Nikwax proudly announces the launch of its Direct.Dry Down line — an innovation that redefines waterproof down with unmatched performance and sustainability.

This cutting-edge range of PFAS-free products offers three distinct performance levels, including the industry’s top performer in the shake test, ensuring outdoor brands can choose the right hydrophobic down solution for their needs:

  • Direct.Dry Down 1K: Achieves up to 1,000 minutes of shake time, suitable for both recycled and virgin down, making it versatile for all types of down products.
  • Direct.Dry Down 5K: Delivers exceptional hydrophobic performance with up to 5,000 minutes of shake time on premium virgin duck and goose down.
  • Direct.Dry Down 25K: Sets a new benchmark with a world leading 25,000 minutes of shake time, offering unparalleled protection and performance on premium virgin duck and goose down for the most demanding conditions.

Key features of the Direct.Dry Down range include:

  • Unmatched Water Resistance: Direct.Dry Down 25K withstands rigorous testing, maintaining its loft and breathability even when exposed to water for an astonishing 17 days, ensuring users stay dry, warm, and comfortable in wet environments where standard down fails.
  • Durable Performance: Engineered for longevity, this range is designed to perform exceptionally well with Nikwax aftercare products, extending the life of outdoor gear.
  • Sustainable: The Direct.Dry Down range is PFAS-Free, bluesign® APPROVED and only available on RDS, GTDS certified or recycled down.

Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax, stated, “For over a decade, Nikwax has been at the forefront of waterproof down technology, and with the Direct.Dry Down range, we are proud to set a new standard in performance and sustainability. Our commitment to innovation continues to empower brands to create award-winning products that meet the highest industry standards.”

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Nikwax

 

ANDRITZ Airlay Line For Sustainable Nonwovens Production Starts Up At Carolina Nonwovens


ANDRITZ neXline airlay equipment in operation at Carolina Nonwovens . (Image courtesy of Andritz Nonwovens)

GRAZ, Austria — MARCH 10, 2025 — International technology group ANDRITZ has supplied and commissioned a neXline airlay system at the Carolina Nonwovens plant in Ohio. This marks the first installation of the new generation airlay line in the United States.

The state-of-the-art system processes recycled fibers into nonwovens for automotive and industrial sectors, helping to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency.

Designed for ease of use and maintenance, ANDRITZ’s advanced equipment maximizes operational efficiency and reliability. With this new investment, Carolina Nonwovens strengthens its ability to produce high-quality nonwovens from industrial and post-consumer waste, in line with its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

The company already operates an ANDRITZ airlay line at its plant in North Carolina.

“It was a pleasure to work with the ANDRITZ experts again. Thanks to their support, our team benefited from efficient training, enabling us to significantly enhance our capabilities,” said Ed Hull, COO of Carolina Nonwovens.

Carolina Nonwovens specializes in providing world-class nonwoven solutions using state-of the-art airlay technology and superior raw materials. With deep expertise in fiber processing, the company offers a wide range of products for various markets such as acoustic and thermal insulation for the automotive, construction and appliance industries.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Andritz Nonwovens

Jeanologia Empowers The Next Generation Of Textile Leaders At The NexGen Summit

VALENCIA, Spain — March 7, 2025 — In 2025, Jeanologia celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of innovation and leadership in transforming the textile industry. The Spain-based company commemorated this milestone with an event — the NextGen Summit — bringing together for the first time the world’s leading denim manufacturers under one roof. With a significant representation of global production, the summit served as a platform to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of leaders from family-owned businesses in the denim industry, equipping them with the necessary tools to tackle future challenges with a sustainable, technological, and collaborative vision.

Held at Jeanologia’s headquarters in Valencia and other key textile industry locations in Spain, the event was a pivotal meeting point where future leaders exchanged ideas and knowledge with brands and industry experts. For the first time, the sector’s leading companies gathered to discuss the industry’s future, addressing key challenges such as sustainability, digitalization and automation.

The NextGen Summit program included diverse formats designed to maximize learning and interaction, featuring inspirational talks where industry leaders shared their experience and vision, with a special focus on generational transition; interactive workshops exploring innovative solutions for industry challenges; and open debates fostering dialogue among key players in the sector.

One of the standout moments of the event was the keynote by Bart Sights, head of Innovation at Levi’s, who inspired attendees with his disruptive vision and industry trajectory. From his early days working alongside his father as a supplier to his current role leading innovation at one of the most influential denim brands, Sights emphasized the importance of bringing bold ideas to the table. His message encouraged participants to embrace change and leverage new technologies to accelerate transformation.

Additionally, a visit to Mango’s headquarters was one of the most emotional and inspiring moments of the program, as it paid tribute to the memory of its founder, Isak Andic. During the visit, Andrés Fernández, head of Sustainability & Sourcing, shared Mango’s vision, objectives, and action plans for sustainability, sparking a highly enriching discussion for both parties.

An inspiring session was also held at another major Spanish retailer, where participants not only gained insight into its strategic approach and vision for the future of the industry but also engaged in an open debate on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

A collaborative and digital future

Beyond learning, the NextGen Summit has been a catalyst for collaboration, creating a space where the industry can learn, share, and evolve together.

Through this event, young leaders have established lasting relationships and made concrete commitments to advance toward a more responsible and efficient model. The community formed at this summit will continue to stay connected and exchange ideas beyond the event itself, reinforcing Jeanologia’s mission to build a more collaborative and transparent textile ecosystem.

The beginning of a global movement

“The NextGen Summit is just the beginning of a global movement. We have built a community where the next generations openly share challenges and solutions, motivating each other to accelerate change in a disruptive, responsible, and collaborative way. Now, it is up to us to take on the challenge of transforming the industry with a new mindset, new ways of working, and a commitment to a better future,” stated Pepa Silla, who represents the young leadership guiding Jeanologia’s vision toward a more innovative and sustainable model.

Jeanologia is firmly committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, who will play a crucial role in the industry’s transformation. With the NextGen Summit as a starting point, the company plans to continue organizing future editions of this event and positioning it as a benchmark in the transition towards a more digital, automated, and sustainable industry.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: Jeanologia

Sponsors